Accused murderer claims he was threatened by senior prosecutor

Murder accused Veron Primus is finding out that defending one’s self in court is not the simplest of undertakings.

He has been charged with the November 13, 2015 murder of real estate agent Sharleen Greaves and during the continuation of the Preliminary Inquiry last Tuesday, Primus told the court he did not wish to ask one of the witnesses any more questions, because senior prosecutor Adolphus Delpesche had threatened him.

The prosecutor quickly rose to his own defence, stating that he had never threatened Primus. He explained that he had merely informed the murder accused to tread carefully during cross-examinations.

He further stated that as prosecutor, he would not allow Primus to prejudice the proceedings, adding that Primus should be charged for the “free legal advice,” he (Delpesche) offered.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias has advised Primus on numerous occasions not to take a certain path during his questioning, as it may be to his own detriment, a position she held once again on Tuesday, in agreement with Delpesche.

So far, 12 witnesses have given evidence in this matter. On Tuesday, the Serious Offences Court accepted the testimonies of three police officers.

First to take the stand was Detective Corporal 776 Mark Wyllie, an officer who was stationed at the Criminal Investigations Unit around the time of Greaves’ death and who was also one of the detectives dispatched to the scene of the murder to conduct investigations.

Wyllie was followed by Detective Sergeant 531 Desreen Daize, a detective whose investigations into another matter that involves Primus, led her to his residence.

Testimonies climaxed on Tuesday with the lengthy evidence given by investigating officer Detective Constable Edmond Ollivierre, who interviewed Primus and conducted tests on Greaves personal vehicle.

Primus opted to represent himself after his lawyer, Michaela Ambrose, removed herself as his counsel, claiming that she had not been sufficiently briefed.

Since then, Primus and Delpesche have engaged in several heated verbal exchanges during the proceedings.

In addition to the tension between Primus and the prosecutor, the murder accused also has to contend with the daily stares of Inether Bailey-Holder, the mother of the deceased.

Bailey-Holder attends court every time the matter is called and on most occasions, she is dressed in a t-shirt that bears a photo of her deceased daughter.

During sittings of the court, the grieving mother usually positions herself so that she can watch her daughter’s accused murderer straight in the face as he enters and leaves the court room under police protection.

About 40 witnesses are expected to take the stand in this matter. (AS)